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California Counties Receive Casino Money

LOS ANGELES, California – As reported by the Associated Press: "Counties have begun receiving money for the first time from a fund designed to help them address traffic, public safety and other concerns related to tribal casinos.

"Twenty-five counties had until Wednesday to apply for their share of $25 million from the fund. It is one of two funds casino-operating tribes have contributed to since signing gambling compacts with the state in 1999.

"The other helps nongambling tribes or those with small casinos and receives the vast majority of the tribes' contributions. Combined, 28 of California's more than 50 gambling tribes pay more than $100 million a year into the two funds.

"…The state already has cut checks totaling $4 million to 11 counties and plans to release millions more to another 10, said Garin Casaleggio, spokesman for the state controller's office. Counties are paid based on the number of slot machines and casinos they have and also can share that money with cities.

"…Many cities and counties are using the money for road work and to hire police officers, sheriff's deputies, firefighters and prosecutors. Butte County is spending some of the nearly $1 million it received to hire a forensic accountant to investigate financial crimes at two casinos…"

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